American Dathan Ritzenhein ran a tactical race to surprise his Kenyan rivals and win Saturday's Reebok Belfast International Cross-Country. The 9810 meter race is part of the UK's Reebok Cross Challenge series, and previous winners include include Paula Radcliffe and Paul Tergat. Two days of continuous rain left the course a muddy mess, resulting in a true cross-country race. It was only the second time in 14 years that another country was able to break Africa's dominance at the event.

This 'kid' is really starting to make some noise lately. He just placed third in another race. I love to see it. I love how the Irish crowd was chanting USA, too. I heard he wants to focus on the marathon 'soon'. It would be great to see him continue the US surge Meb is leading...